Huntington’s Disease Benefits in Washington

• To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI), your Huntington’s Disease must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months or result in death.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the same medical definition for both SSI and SSDI, but eligibility differs:
  • SSDI: You need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. Most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled.
  • SSI: You must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSI is for people with little or no work history.
• Huntington’s Disease is listed in the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program, which means applications are often processed faster.
• You must provide medical evidence, such as a diagnosis from a doctor and records showing how the disease affects your ability to work.

Learn more about SSI vs SSDI

• In Washington, you may qualify for state programs if you have Huntington’s Disease and meet income and resource limits.
• Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) Program: This is a cash assistance program for low-income adults who are disabled and waiting for SSI approval. You must be 18 or older, have a disability that prevents work for at least 12 months, and meet income/resource requirements. ABD is not for people already receiving SSI.
• Medicaid (Apple Health): Washington Medicaid covers medical care for people with disabilities, including those with Huntington’s Disease. You may qualify based on disability and income.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): These waivers help people with disabilities get long-term care services at home or in the community instead of institutions.
• State Supplement Program (SSP): If you receive SSI, Washington adds a monthly supplement to your federal SSI payment.
• ABLE Accounts: Washington residents with disabilities can open ABLE accounts to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits.

Learn more about Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) Learn more about ABLE Accounts

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for federal disability (SSI/SSDI) online at ssa.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• If you need help with daily living, apply for Washington Medicaid (Apple Health) and Medicaid waivers.
• If you are low-income and waiting for SSI, apply for ABD through Washington Connection.
• Report any changes in your situation to avoid overpayments.

Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes

• Step 1: Get Medical Documentation

  • Visit your doctor and get a diagnosis and records showing how Huntington’s Disease affects your ability to work.
  • Ask your doctor to complete forms for the SSA if needed.

• Step 2: Apply for Federal Disability (SSI/SSDI)

  • Go to ssa.gov and create an account.
  • Fill out the application online or call 1-800-772-1213 to apply by phone.
  • Submit all required documents, including medical records and proof of income.
  • The SSA will review your application and may ask for more information.

• Step 3: Apply for Washington State Programs

  • Go to Washington Connection (wa.gov) and apply for Medicaid (Apple Health), Medicaid waivers, and ABD if you are low-income and waiting for SSI.
  • You may be assigned a facilitator to help you apply for SSI and other benefits.

• Step 4: Report Changes

  • If your income, resources, or living situation changes, report it to the SSA and Washington DSHS right away.
  • Reporting changes helps you avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active.

• Step 5: Follow Up

  • Keep copies of all applications and correspondence.
  • Respond to any requests for more information promptly.
  • If your application is denied, you can appeal.

Learn more about SSI & SSDI Work Incentives

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Amount depends on your work history.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources. Amount is based on financial need.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people who receive SSDI after 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities. In Washington, it’s called Apple Health.

Learn more about Medicaid vs Medicare

• Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) Program: Cash assistance for low-income adults with disabilities who are waiting for SSI approval. Benefit is $450/month for individuals, $570/month for couples. You must repay ABD benefits once you start receiving SSI, but this payback requirement is suspended until 2028.
• Medicaid (Apple Health): Covers medical care for people with disabilities, including those with Huntington’s Disease. You may qualify based on disability and income.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Help people with disabilities get long-term care services at home or in the community.
• State Supplement Program (SSP): Adds to your federal SSI payment. In 2025, the basic SSI payment is $967/month for individuals, and Washington’s supplement increases this amount.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave: Provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for eligible employees with a serious health condition.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

Learn more about Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) Learn more about ABLE Accounts

• Washington residents with disabilities can open ABLE accounts to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits.
• You can save up to $17,000 per year in an ABLE account (2025 limit).
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as housing, education, and transportation.
• ABLE accounts do not count toward SSI resource limits.

Learn more about ABLE Accounts

• For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples.
• For ABD, you must have very low income and resources. The exact limits change each year; check with Washington Connection for current amounts.
• For Medicaid (Apple Health), income limits are higher and depend on household size and other factors.

Use the SSI Income Estimator

• If your income, resources, or living situation changes, report it to the SSA and Washington DSHS right away.
• Reporting changes helps you avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active.
• If you receive an overpayment, you may have to repay it. Contact the agency to discuss repayment options.

Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI).
• Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
  Phone: 1-877-501-2233

  TTY: 1-800-833-6384

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For state benefits (Medicaid, ABD, waivers).

• Can I get disability benefits for Huntington’s Disease in Washington?

  Yes, Huntington’s Disease qualifies for federal disability (SSI/SSDI) if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You may also qualify for Washington state programs like Medicaid and ABD.

• How do I apply for SSI/SSDI with Huntington’s Disease?

  Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. You’ll need medical records and proof of income.

• What is the ABD program in Washington?

  ABD is a cash assistance program for low-income adults with disabilities who are waiting for SSI approval. You must repay ABD benefits once you start receiving SSI, but this requirement is suspended until 2028.

• Does Washington have a state supplement for SSI?

  Yes, Washington adds a monthly supplement to your federal SSI payment. This helps cover the higher cost of living in the state.

• Can I get Medicaid with Huntington’s Disease in Washington?

  Yes, Washington Medicaid (Apple Health) covers medical care for people with disabilities, including those with Huntington’s Disease. You may qualify based on disability and income.

• What are Medicaid waivers (HCBS) in Washington?

  Medicaid waivers help people with disabilities get long-term care services at home or in the community instead of institutions. They can cover things like home health aides and respite care.